Axitinib targeted drug instructions

Axitinib (Axitinib), branded as Inlyta, is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed by Pfizer. It has been shown to significantly inhibit breast cancer growth in animal (xenograft) models and has shown partial responses in clinical trials in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and several other tumor types.xa0

Mechanism of action: Axitinib selectively blocks tyrosine kinase receptors VEGFR-1 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor), VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3.

Dosage: The dosage of axitinib will vary for different patients. Follow your doctor's instructions or the directions on the label. The following information includes only average doses of this drug. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Additionally, the daily dose you take, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medication depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medication.

For oral dosage form (tablets):

For kidney cancer (axitinib alone):

Adults—Initially, 5 milligrams (mg) twice daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.

Children—Use and dosage must be determined by your doctor.

For kidney cancer (axitinib plus avelumab):

Adults—Initially, 5 milligrams (mg) twice daily, concurrent with 800 mg of avelumab every 2 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.

Children—Use and dosage must be determined by your doctor.

For kidney cancer (axitinib plus pembrolizumab):

Adult —Initially, 5 milligrams (mg) twice daily, followed by 200 mg of pembrolizumab every 3 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.

Children—Use and dosage must be determined by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people taking axitinib develop perforations (holes or tears) or fistulas (abnormal passages) in the stomach or intestines. Call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain or if you feel like you are choking or gagging when you eat or drink.

Also contact your doctor right away if you have: chest pain or tightness, pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulders, trouble breathing; sudden numbness or weakness, vision or speech problems; headache, confusion, thinking problems, seizures (convulsions); dizziness, like you might pass out; easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under the skin; heavy menstrual bleeding; any bleeding that doesn't stop; liver problems —Severe nausea or vomiting, pain in the right upper abdomen, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); heart problems—swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath; signs of stomach bleeding—bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or signs of thyroid problems—sudden weight gain or loss, feeling very weak or tired, muscle aches, feeling hot or cold, hair loss, hoarseness or deepening of the voice.

Common side effects of axitinib may include: liver problems; stomach pain; muscle and bone pain; abnormal blood tests; sores or swelling of the lining of the mouth, nose, eyes, throat, intestines, or vagina; cough, shortness of breath; headache; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation; rash, itching, redness, and peeling of the skin on the hands or feet; feeling weak or tired; increased blood pressure; decreased appetite, weight loss; or a hoarse voice. This is not a complete list of side effects, and other side effects may occur.

Interactions: Sometimes it is not safe to use certain drugs together. Some medicines can affect the blood levels of other medicines you take, which may increase side effects or make the medicine less effective. Other drugs may affect axitinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you currently use and any medicines you start or stop using.

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.